After three similar incidents over the past two months where suspects gained easy access to residences through open doors or windows of women who were alone at the time, the Long Beach Police Department is reminding residents to always keep their doors and windows secured, at all times.

During each of the incidents, the victims were home alone when they discovered a male suspect inside their residence. The suspects fled the location without taking anything or attempting to sexually assault the victims.

The first two cases occurred in the area of 2nd Street and Termino Avenue. The first incident occurred on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at approximately 7:00 p.m. The suspect was described as a male African-American in his late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 5’6″ tall and with a stocky build. The second incident occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at approximately 3:15 a.m. The suspect was described as a male African-American, approximately 30-years-old and 5’8” tall with a medium build and short hair. Based on the physical description and circumstances of the crime, detectives believe these two incidents may be connected.

The third incident occurred on Monday, September 13, 2010, at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the area of 2nd Street and Bayshore Avenue. The suspect in this case was described as a male Hispanic, 30 to 40 years old, 5’6″ tall, with a stocky build and brown eyes. In all three cases, the suspect fled when the victim began to yell and/or scream, and the motives for the entries are unknown.

Residents are strongly encouraged to practice the following safety tips: